Updated: Aug 31
Build Focus with Movement: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
Let's continue our exploration of Denslow Brown’s Processing Modalities. If you need a refresher on this concept, read my previous post Discover Your Unique Modalities and How They Shape Your Perception. Today we look at the kinesthetic modality. Brown states “The kinesthetic modality involves moving and engaging the body and sensing the body in space.”
KINESTHETIC: Movement of the body
I’ve never thought of myself as particularly kinesthetic. I used to dread working out and avoided going to the gym, but at this phase of my life, getting exercise isn’t optional. I find the days I get up and move are the days I feel the best. My current favorite workout is this one on YouTube. I start slowly - reluctantly even - and then notice at about the 15-minute mark a shift has happened and I am loving it! Maybe I’m more kinesthetic than I thought.
When I’m working with clients, their kinesthetic language often jumps out at me. Hearing “I had a great morning, I went to a ballet class!” or “I do my best thinking when I’m walking” give me a sense that movement is important to them. They interact with the world through their body more than most and this kinesthetic sense is often a doorway to something larger for them. These are examples of what Brown calls the Processing Modality Strength Continuum, which can range from week to tolerant to gifted.
Brown explains that in addition to our modality preferences, we have varying strengths with each modality, ranging from weak to competent to gifted.
Some people may not realize how their bodies are affected by their environment. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair for hours before noticing it's causing back pain could be a sign of kinesthetic hyposensitivity. On the other hand, someone who is struggles to be in spaces that are warmer or colder than they prefer may be hypersensitive. These are examples of what Brown refers to as the Processing Modality Sensitivity Continuum, which ranges from being hypersensitive (unaware) to competent to hypersensitive (very aware).
We have varying sensitivities across different modalities ranging from hyposensitive (unaware) to tolerant to hypersensitive (very aware).
How do you relate to the movement of your body? Does movement support your ability to focus? Are there kinesthetic challenges (a tiny office) or sources of inspiration (a walk at lunch) that alter your mood or improve your productivity?
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